32. Encounter

The Epsilon I system in the Eridanus constellation, approximately ten light-years from the Sol system, eleven light-years from Agirakana.

The S3-class survey vessel EP-0011 is conducting detailed surveys of small asteroids scattered at the system's outer edges and of the exoplanet Epsilon Ib.

S3-class survey vessels are spherical ships, larger than cruisers with diameters exceeding one kilometer. While lacking offensive capabilities, they are equipped with gravity thrusters of battleship scale, enabling acceleration comparable to destroyers. For extended operations, their crew living conditions are well-maintained, far superior to combat vessels. They carry compact fabrication facilities and stockpile various materials. The survey vessel EP-0011 arrived at the Epsilon I system after a decade-long journey from the nearest hyperlane gate, located in the Epsilon II system of the Eridanus constellation.

——Report from Survey Vessel EP-0011.

——Multiple promising metallic asteroids discovered during outer asteroid belt survey.

——Initiating internal survey of gas planet Epsilon Ib. After assessing gas resource reserves, precise planetary core survey will follow.

——Launching survey drones.

……

Lina Frante, seated in the command chair of survey vessel EP-0011, listened to the monotonous audio report streaming from the automated log device, her eyes scanning the team members actively working in the central command room. The log was being transmitted via subspace communication directly to Agirakana’s Survey Division headquarters.

“Top direction, 20 astronomical units, multiple high-speed objects detected.”

The operator’s voice echoed through the command chamber.

Twenty AU marked the outer limit of the spatial scanner’s full-sky mode range. Either the operator was exceptionally skilled—or perhaps just lucky. The report continued, unperturbed.

"Target velocity at fifteen percent light speed, heading toward inner planet Epsilon Ia."

"Immediately halt Epsilon Ib planetary survey. Abandon the probe currently deployed on Epsilon Ib. Reassign observation target to high-speed flying object and Epsilon Ia. Commence observation."

"…Current number of flying objects: twenty thousand. Still increasing."

"…Current number of flying objects: forty-five thousand. Still increasing."

"Mass distribution of the flying objects has been determined. It matches Zeno’s mass distribution. Probability that the flying objects are Zeno exceeds ninety-eight percent at this time."

The command room falls utterly silent.

——Discovery of flying objects resembling Zeno. Observation initiated.

Only the voice of the automated log device echoes through the command room.

"…Current number of flying objects: two hundred and fifty thousand… two hundred and sixty thousand…"

"…Current number of flying objects: seven hundred thousand"

“…Current number of flying objects: seven hundred and fifty thousand. Increase has stopped.”

In the command room, the members of the reconnaissance division carried on with their duties, calm and unflustered.

Given their speed and distance, the swarm of flying objects would reach the inner planet Epsilon Ia in approximately eighteen hours.

One hundred and sixty minutes later.

“Optical observation results are in. Total number of flying objects: seven hundred and fifty-two thousand. Speed remains at fifteen percent of light speed, unchanged. Individual shape is spindle-like. Length: forty meters, maximum diameter: ten meters. Appears to be redirecting its trajectory by emitting neutron beams from the sides. …Confirmed identification: flying objects are Zeno. Gradual convergence of the spatial distribution of the Zeno collective is observed.”

——Confirmed identification: flying objects are Zeno. Total: seven hundred and fifty-two thousand. Observation continues.

All seven hundred and fifty thousand Zeno appear to be entering Eridanus Epsilon I a at a sustained fifteen percent of light speed. The planet will likely be shattered, though it remains unclear whether this will halt Zeno life activity. Observing the high-intensity neutron radiation expected during Zeno’s cessation of biological function is imperative. At present, we are only six AU from Epsilon I a. There is a possibility of two or three Zeno clusters emerging, which would warrant evacuation—but we are bound by duty to assess the situation. Let us continue observation from a slightly greater distance from Epsilon I a.

“Vessel will disengage from Epsilon I a. Unmooring beam released—engaging propulsion!”

“Unmooring beam released. Initiating departure.”

[Supplementary Explanation]

Eridanus Epsilon I System

Ten light-years from the Solar System lies the Eridanus Epsilon I System, home to two planets and an asteroid belt. The inner rocky planet is known as Epsilon I a; the outer gas giant, Epsilon I b.

Zeno, an interstellar lifeform

A spacefaring organism encased in an extremely rigid exoskeleton—its front section, in particular, possesses the same structural integrity as Agirakana’s ship hulls. Fully grown, it takes the form of a spindle, reaching up to forty meters in length and ten meters in maximum diameter. Its mass varies between one and four million metric tons.

It emits neutron beams from its rear, propelling itself through space at high speed—reaching approximately fifteen percent of light speed. To emit these neutrons, it consumes internal matter as propellant; thus, its mass gradually diminishes with prolonged activity in space.

They have a tendency to form groups, with each group consisting of anywhere from several hundred thousand to several million individuals. These groups occasionally coalesce into larger aggregations of several dozen to hundreds of individual groups. The Second Zeno War, which led to the fall of Arsen, is believed to have been caused by multiple relatively large aggregations attacking the Arsen domain.

They possess a habit of diving at high speed into rocky planets, causing planetary disintegration. This behavior is thought to be linked to Zeno feeding and reproductive patterns. They absorb heavy metals from within rocky planets and reproduce using those materials.

Once they have consumed all the heavy metals within rocky planets in a given system, they move directly toward the nearest star in a straight line.

They appear to detect mass in some manner. It is speculated that when starships encounter Zeno in space, the vessels’ large mass might be mistaken for an asteroid, leading the Zeno to initiate a collision course.

Radiates neutron beams from six ports on its outer hull, redirecting them as needed. Occasionally uses these beams to attack approaching objects.

When life functions cease, it disperses intense neutron radiation across the surrounding space. No corpse, no debris remains.

Believed to be a lifeform evolved on a neutron star or similar celestial body, having developed both an outer shell and the ability to move through space during its evolutionary process. The Zeno's main body is estimated to have a mass of nearly one million tons, yet its volume is thought to be less than one cubic millimeter.

Eridani Epsilon I and II are fictional star systems. The model for Epsilon I is Eridani Epsilon.

Zeno has arrived!

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